New Zealand Warriors outside back Glen Fisiiahi thought his season was over after a pectoral injury in July, but he now has a chance of representing Tonga at next month's rugby league World Cup.
The 23-year-old has been included in a 33-man preliminary train-on squad.
This indicates team management are confident the talented fullback/wing will be available for selection when the 24-man tour party is named after the October 6 NRL grand final.
Fisiiahi was limited to just 11 games for the Warriors in 2013 and last played against the Wests Tigers on July 19.
He is highly regarded by coach Charlie Tonga who selected him at fullback for the April test match for Tonga's comprehensive 36-4 victory over Samoa in Sydney. The game was the first instalment of an annual clash to coincide with the Anzac Test between the Kiwis and Kangaroos.
Fisiiahi is one of six Warriors players named in the initial group alongside Konrad Hurrell, rookie wing Ngani Laumape, Sebastine Ikahihifo and under-20s stars David Fusitua and Siliva Havili.
The team features two former Kiwis internationals - Parramatta front rower Fuifui Moimoi and second rower Sika Manu.
Centre Willie Tonga and back rower Anthony Tupou also have State of Origin and test experience.
The only players unavailable so far are NSW and former Kangaroos forward Tony Williams and Brisbane Broncos prop David Hala.
The squad will be revised as teams bow out of the NRL finals series although former Kangaroos prop Brent Kite, who will play for Manly against South Sydney in Friday's preliminary final, has already been confirmed as skipper.
Tonga train-on squad: Brent Kite (Manly Sea Eagles), Sosaia Feki (Cronulla Sharks), Nesiasi Mataitonga (Cronulla Sharks), Pat Politoni (Cronulla Sharks), Anthony Tupou (Cronulla Sharks), Mahe Fonua (Melbourne Storm), Siosaia Vave (Melbourne Storm), Glen Fisiiahi (NZ Warriors), David Fusitua (NZ Warriors), Siliva Havili (NZ Warriors), Konrad Hurrell (NZ Warriors), Sebastine Ikahihifo (NZ Warriors), Ngani Laumape (NZ Warriors), Siuatonga Likiliki (Newcastle Knights), Jason Taumololo (North Queensland Cowboys), Taniela Lasaolo (Parramatta Eels), Fuifui Moimoi (Parramatta Eels), Kelepi Tanginoa (Parramatta Eels), Peni Terepo (Parramatta Eels), Willie Tonga (Parramatta Eels), Vai Toutai (Parramatta Eels), Sika Manu (Penrith Panthers), Daniel Foster (Penrith Panthers), Atelea Vea (St George Illawarra Dragons), Samsoni Langi (Sydney Roosters), Ben Murdoch-Masila (Wests Tigers), Etu Uaisele (Wyong Roos - NSW), Ukuma Ta'i (Huddersfield Giants), Mickey Paea (Hull KR), Willie Manu (St Helens), Epalahame Lauaki (Wigan Warriors), Sydney Havea (Haakame Broncos - Tonga), Daniel Kilioni (Havelu Bulldogs - Tonga).
